Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

You can see the giant anteater in the Tropical America exhibits area.

Still don't see the answer to your question? Feel free to contact us.

We've tried to make sure to answer all your questions within the pages of our site, but some questions are asked so frequently, we thought we'd gather them together here for easy viewing. Please use the links provided to find out more about the topic at hand, too. Enjoy your visit!

"How big is Roger Williams Park Zoo and how long does an average visit take?"

The Zoo covers about forty (40) acres. The average length of stay is three (3) hours. The path through the Zoo is a bit over one mile long. Roger Williams Park Zoo features over 100 different species of amazing animals! See our Exhibits and Animals page for more information.

Yes. The rental kiosk is located at the main entrance. All rentals require a cash deposit and are available on a first come, first served basis except where otherwise noted. Please see our Guest Services page for further information and pricing.

"Does Roger Williams Park Zoo have dress code for visitors?"

Yes. In keeping with our family-friendly atmosphere, and for health and safety reasons, Roger Williams Park Zoo strictly enforces a dress code. Proper attire must be worn in the park at all times, including shirts and appropriate footwear except in the Hasbro's Our Big Backyard water area. Clothing with rude, vulgar or offensive language or graphics is not permitted at any time. Park admission may be denied if clothing is deemed by management to be inappropriate.

"Is there a First Aid station available?"

Yes. First Aid is located in the Sophie Danforth building across from the Alex and Ani Farmyard exhibit. Please refer to the Zoo Map for exact location.

"How do I submit a request for Zoo passes to be donated to my organization / fundraiser?"

Donation requests may be submitted online at http://rwpzoo.requestitem.com. Requests are reviewed and approved on a first-come first-serve basis. We will only honor requests from New England, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. We will donate only one time, per event, per organization, per year. Requests are limited to (2 - 4) admission passes for your event . These passes are only valid for general admission and cannot be used for Zoobilee, Jack–O–Lantern Spectacular or any other special event fundraiser.

"Are there food concessions and gift shops in the Zoo?"

There are two main food concessions - the Serengetti Cafe located near Africa's Jambo Junction, and the Wilderness Cafe, located in the upper Zoo. There is also the River Camp Sweet Shop in Jambo Junction, as well as mobile carts located throughout the zoo.

There are two gift shops - the smaller Masai Market located at Jambo Junction, and the larger Discover the Wild Gift Shop, located in the historic Menagerie building.

Yes, the public is allowed to bring their own food into the Zoo, but are not allowed to feed the animals. Also, please note that the Zoo does not have any storage facilities/lockers, so lunches and other materials must be carried with you. Picnic tables are available.

"Are there lockers or storage facilities available?"

There are no lockers or storage facilities of any kind available in the Zoo, so remember that whatever you bring you'll have to carry.

"Are there ATM machines in the Zoo?"

There are two ATM’s available at the Zoo. One is located in The River Camp Sweet Shop in Africa and the other is in the Wilderness Café in the Upper Zoo.

"Is there a petting zoo?"

Yes, there is a petting zoo in Roger Williams Park Zoo. The Alex and Ani Farmyard features a Contact Yard, where people can walk among and interact with the mini Nubian goats in the enclosure.

"Are pets allowed in the Zoo?"

For the safety and well-being of our guests as well as our animals, pets are not allowed in the Zoo. Seeing-eye and hearing-aid dogs are the only outside animals permitted, and only when accompanied by the person certified to require their assistance and with the appropriate proof of certification.

"Will the Zoo accept an animal that I can no longer care for?"

Every year, Roger Williams Park Zoo receives many inquiries from people who would like to donate wild animals or exotic pets. However, the zoo is not able to accept them. If you have an animal in need of a new home, try the following:

- Contact local and regional rescue organizations that specialize in caring for unwanted pets, such as the ASPCA (http://www.aspca.org).

- Ask friends & neighbors for assistance. Many folks have an interest in animals, or may know someone with an interest.

Please do not release an exotic or non-native animal into the wild – there is very little chance of survival.

For the comfort and health of all our visitors, as well as the animals that reside here, there is no smoking permitted anywhere on Zoo grounds.

"Can I page my family, friends, classmates, etc.?"

Vistors may be paged only in the case of an emergency. We suggest that when you arrive at the Zoo, you choose a spot to meet at should your party become separated. If a child is missing, please tell the first Zoo staff member or security guard you see, and we will coordinate an organized search effort right away.

"Can I host a birthday party or other event at the Zoo?"

Absolutely! There's no better place to have a "wild" party than Roger Williams Park Zoo! You can find out more about our many birthday party, corporate outing and other event options on our Book an Event page.

"Are there other attractions located inside Roger Williams Park?"

To get information about other venues and attractions inside Roger Williams Park, visit the City of Providence’s website at http://www.providenceri.com/parks-and-rec/roger-williams-park. There you will find links to information about the Carousel Village, Botanical Center, Museum of Natural History, the Temple to Music, Roger Williams Park Casino and the beautiful and historical park grounds.

"What is RWP Zoo's privacy policy for donors and members?"

Roger Williams Park Zoo and the Rhode Island Zoological Society will not sell, trade or share a donor's personal information with anyone else, nor will we send donor mailings on behalf of other organizations.